Often we consider testosterone as a male hormone. But, in fact, it also produces in low levels in the female body by the reproductive organs—the ovaries.

Normally, female body has three major sex hormones circulating in the blood — estrogen, testosterone and progesterone, which helps drive sexual activities in women.

The production of testosterone is usually by the adrenal glands as well as the hormones–DHEA and DHEAS—that are produced by the adrenal glands.

The ovarian hormone-testosterone-is an essential factor in maintaining woman’s health before and after menopause.testosterone

The role of testosterone in female body!

It plays a vital role in building up muscle mass and muscle tone, lose body fat, strengthening the bone density, increasing libido energy levels, and the frequency of coitus, and, for some, it enhances mood as well as metabolic activities.

It also provides relief from vasomotor symptoms of menopause, reduces breast tenderness and enhances orgasm.

Though the testosterone levels in the female body are only ten percent of the levels in male body, the testosterone levels decline rapidly as we age–especially during menopause.

These levels fall off, along with other ovarian hormones–estrogen and progesterone, due to the decline in the functioning of ovaries and adrenal glands.

So, when the testosterone (ovarian hormone) declines in female body, women undergoes a decrease in sex drive (libido), decreased sexual pressure and enjoyment, decreased orgasmic response, decreased muscle mass, depression and low energy levels.

If you undergo any of these experiences, consult your gynecologist immediately for treatment. The best treatment option is testosterone therapy.

However, doctors recommend testosterone therapy only when blood test reports a low level of testosterone. On the other hand, before you go through a testosterone therapy, gain knowledge of its benefits as well as the risks.

Testosterone therapy for women helps enhance sexual drive, improve erectile function, improve mood, bone density and muscle mass, and promote psychological well being.

On the other hand, the therapy also increases risks such as increase in red blood cells, raise in prostate level, increases fertility problems, skin reactions, sleep apnea, fluid retention, acne problem, and unwanted hair growth in certain body areas. In addition to these, the therapy can develop potential long-term risks.

Testosterone therapy and its forms!

Testosterone therapy is available in several forms such as injections, transdermal, gel and many more.

Injections: The ovarian hormone testosterone can increase through hormone injection where it is injected directly into the muscles at regular intervals. However, the risks associated with injections are pain in the injected area, regular visit to the doctor, and a change in sex drive, energy levels, and mood.

Gel: It is also known as Androgel. You need to apply the gel to the skin on a daily basis. The gel provides a convenient application with stable testosterone in blood levels; however, the only disadvantage is its cost.

Transdermal: Apply this onto the skin of your testicles or on other parts of the body. It is easy to use and provides more uniform levels of testosterone. The energy levels, mood and sex drive remains stable. The only disadvantage is the development of skin irritation, as the applied patch on the skin remains continuously.

So, while using testosterone therapy, always keep track of your testosterone levels to avoid negative effects.